[NFBC-SFV] Department Of Rehabilitation

[M Malik]

Have you or anyone you know ever encountered issues with your Department Of Rehabilitation counselor, or member of their team or any other state agency? Have you felt intimidated by your Department of Rehabilitation counselor because they are in a position of authority? Have you felt trapped and like there is no way out?
If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, please continue reading below.

If questions or issues arise while you are an applicant or a consumer of the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), you have the right to follow the steps detailed below:
1. REHABILITATION COUNSELOR. Most misunderstandings and issues can be resolved by talking them over with your Rehabilitation Counselor. However, it is your responsibility to let your Rehabilitation Counselor know there is an issue.
2. TEAM MANAGER. If you believe that you and your Rehabilitation Counselor cannot resolve the issue, you may request an informal meeting with the Team Manager to discuss the issue.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW. You may request an administrative review by the District Administrator within one year of the action or decision. An administrative review decision will be rendered within 15 calendar days of the date of your request, unless you agree to a later date. If you disagree with an administrative review decision, you may file a request for a fair hearing within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the written decision of your administrative review.
4. MEDIATION. Mediation is another option for resolving disputes with the DOR. You may file a request for confidential mediation within one year of the DOR action or decision with which you disagree. A qualified, impartial mediator can help you find solutions that are satisfactory to you and the DOR. If the DOR agrees to mediate, the mediation will be held within 25 calendar days from receipt of the request, unless you agree to a later date. 
5. FAIR HEARING. If you are dissatisfied with any action or decision of the DOR relating to your application or receipt of vocational rehabilitation services, you may file a request for a fair hearing within one year of the DOR action or decision or within 30 calendar days of the receipt of written decision of your administrative review. A fair hearing will be held within 60 calendar days of the receipt of your written request, unless you agree to a later date. At the hearing, you may appear in person, and may be accompanied by a representative or advocate of your choice. It may be to your benefit to first work through the administrative review process or mediation before requesting a fair hearing. If you are not satisfied with the fair hearing decision, you may file a Written of Mandate with the California Superior Court within six months of the decision.

To seek an advocate or for information regarding vocational rehabilitation services or the appeal process, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) administered by Disability Rights California may be available to assist you.
Consumers can reach their CAP advocate by calling DRC's statewide toll-free number at 1-800-776-5746 or TTY 1-800-719-5798.

Malik Treasurer
National Federation of the Blind of California
San Fernando Valley Chapter
310-948-1663
You Can Live The Life You Want
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